In this August edition of Western Horseman, we celebrate the enduring spirit of the cowboy. Stories, traditions and values handed down from one generation to the next form the saga of this Cowboys’ Issue. Join us as Red Steagall reflects on a lifetime devoted to preserving the culture of the West. Ride along with the Tongue River Ranch remuda, step into life on the wagon with artist Teal Blake, and explore the storied history and future of Oklahoma’s Cross Bell Ranch, where a legendary legacy meets a new chapter.
“Ranch Water,” oil on canvas,
40 inches by 40 inches, by Teal Blake.
Features
CODE RED
Red Steagall has sung the praises of the West for decades. His latest project is designed to preserve the artistry, traditions and values learned through the ranching way of life. By Ross Hecox, Page 56
OVER TROUBLED WATER
The Cross Bell Ranch stands out as one of the most iconic cattle operations in ranching history, defined by its grandeur and, unfortunately, calamity. Its new owners hope to bridge the gap between past glory and modern-day relevance. By Ross Hecox, Page 66
LIFE ON THE WAGON
Drawing from a lifetime of cowboying, artist Teal Blake offers an inside look at cow camp traditions. By Teal Blake, Page 76
Contents
CLASSIC COWBOY Beloved by generations of ropers, 88-year-old Earl Higgins continues to earn checks in the team roping arena. Page 18
REMUDAS The horses of Tongue River Ranch reflect generations of thoughtful breeding, cowboy practicality and proven performance. Page 22
WOMEN OF THE WEST A lifelong horsewoman, Abbie Phillips continues to raise the bar in the cow horse industry. Page 26
HOW-TO Learn safer, more effective ways to tie horses with insights from horseman Richard Boatwright. Page 28
HORSEMANSHIP Hegan Lamb starts his rope horse prospects where he believes they learn best: on the ranch. Page 31
REAL LIFE RANCH WIFE Sometimes, the best training aid isn’t a rope or a saddle — it’s a cookie. Page 34
WESTERN CULTURE Take a trip back to the 1990s through the advertisements of Western Horseman. Page 37
WESTERN MUSIC Texas musician Jake Hooker is preserving Western swing traditions while passing them on to the next generation. Page 42
WESTERN STOPS A visit to Devils Tower country isn’t complete without exploring the museums that tell the story of Wyoming’s heritage. Page 44
FROM THE LENS Rachael Sebastian chronicles fall works at the Tongue River Ranch. Page 47
COWBOY COOKING A no-frills chuckwagon dish from Bit Pruitt, elevated by one simple ingredient. Page 51
RODEO Rookie bareback rider Daxtyn Feild is carrying one of rodeo’s most famous family legacies into the future. Page 52
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